I spent a portion of my childhood living in West Branch Iowa. I have a few fond memories of that place in particular I have memories of teachers who inspired me to do things that, looking back now, maybe I didn't follow through on.
Mrs. Hughes was a teacher of mine who, early on, noticed my interest in science Especially Earth Sciences and fossils. I remember one time in paricular stopping by her house. She invited me inside, and knowing that I like science she gave me a large rock that had hundreds of fossils in it. She also gave me examples of animal specimens in jars, and books to read that would continue to kindle my fire.
Why she took such an interest in this and me? I don't know but I appreciated then, and I still appreciate it today.
She lived part of her life in Alaska during the Great Earthquake that Anchorage what subject to in the 60's. I always enjoyed listening to her tell stories of her kids playing baseball in the summer until the wee hours of the morning because it was still light, and also showing pictures and sharing stories about the earthquake itself. Seeing the devastation in pictures just fascinated me.
She was an interesting lady and wonderful teacher. Amazing how simple acts of kindness and taking an interest in a child can make such a difference in molding them as adults. That should be a lesson to all of us.
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